Investigations under way after man, 37, dies in farming accident

Two separate investigations have been launched after a 37-year-old father of two died in a farm accident in West Cork.

Gardaí and the Health and Safety Authority are investigating how the man — named locally as Mike McCarthy — died while working on a slurry tank at his family’s farm near Bantry.

It is believed he was overcome by fumes.

Mr McCarthy’s father, Teddy, attempted to pull his son from the tank at Cahermuchee, Kealkill, but failed in his efforts.

The alarm was raised at around 7.30pm on Friday and paramedics attempted to resuscitate the man.

However, Mr McCarthy was pronounced dead at the scene.

Well known for his love of GAA, Mr McCarthy and was an active member of St Colum’s GAA Club. He is survived by his wife Siobhán and the couple’s two children. He will be laid to rest tomorrow in his native Kealkill.

An autopsy took place at Cork University Hospital yesterday and a file will be prepared for the coroner’s court.

Two months ago, the HSA said that it planned to ramp up its inspection rate in Co Cork after the county recorded the highest number of workplace deaths over the last four years.

Analysis shows that agriculture, fishing, and construction sectors — which largely involve self-employed individuals — are the most hazardous sectors in which to work.

There is a high concentration of dairy farms in Co Cork and research demonstrates that this type of farming is highly pressurised and potentially hazardous.

Last year, 12 people, including two 14-year-old boys, were killed in work-related accidents in Cork — six in agriculture, four in construction, one in education, and one in fishing.

In 2012, that figure was nine — with five deaths in the fishing sector, two in construction, one in agriculture, and one in public administration.

The HSA has a team of nine full-time inspectors covering Cork and neighbouring counties.

It carried out 11,000 inspections nationally last year, with 1,500 in Cork.

www.hsa.ie